Meet The New President of NYSAC

Orange County Executive Edward Diana was elected today to serve as president of the state Association of Counties.

The vote took place during NYSAC’s annual seminar in Syracuse.

“County Executive Diana has been a steady and astute voice on the NYSAC board. We are pleased our members have elected him to serve as the next president of NYSAC,” said Mary Pat Hancock, chairwoman of the Genesee County Legislature and the outgoing NYSAC president.

Diana, a Republican, is one of the longest serving county executives in the state, having first been elected in 2001. He, along with most county executives, has been outspoken against unfunded mandates pushed down by the state to the local level.

He’s also been considered a possible statewide candidate. In 2010, he toyed with the idea of running against Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, but didn’t run. He also has considered runs for Congress. He’s a former gym teacher in Orange County.

“It is an honor to be elected president of the New York State Association of Counties,” Diana said in a statement. “Our challenges across the state are many and the consequences important to our constituency. I will continue to work hard on behalf of the citizens of Orange County and the counties all across the state, in cooperation with our state officials and other units of local government.”